Definition

"Machinima (pronounced /məˈʃiːnɨmə/ or /məˈʃɪnɨmə/) is the use of real-time three-dimensional (3-D) graphics rendering engines to generate computer animation. The term also refers to works that incorporate this animation technique"

Audience

This document is intended for anyone who is seeking professional level certification for complete end-to-end Machinima production on the Second Life platform.

Skills Overview

Overall certification requires a demonstrated understanding of pre-production skills, production skills, and post-production skills. These include the use of camera techniques, recording techniques, and broadcasting in Second Life.

Pre-production:

All skills required to prepare for a Machinima project before filming starts. These include:

Storyboarding

Location settings

Scripts (as in "film scripts")

Actor preparations

Costumes

Licensing arrangements

Production:

All skills required during the filming the project. These include

Shooting scripts

Direction

Voice and audio recording

Lip synch

Lighting

Puppeteering

Animation

Special effects (in world)

Camera skills

Frame rate utilization

FPS and codecs

File management

Still imaging

Post-production

All skills required to edit and release the final film for end user viewing. These include:

Video editing techniques and software

Audio post production

Motion graphics

Titling

File types and formats

Distribution options (web, streaming, DVD, mobile).

Levels

There are three levels of certification possible:

Level One

Pre-requisites

(in development)

Level One Criteria

Demonstrate the basic skills necessary to produce short machinima. This level will not include lip-synching.

Output types: music videos, video tutorials, non-lip sync audio

Level Two - Intermediate

Pre-requisites

(in development)

Level Two Criteria

(in development)

Level Three- Advanced

Pre-requisites

(in development)

Level Three Criteria

(in development)

Software skills

The primary software package that will be required is the Second Life viewer and all the features related to Machinima. This includes:

Use of built-in recording capabilities

Screen snaps

Camera usage

Camera controls

Environment and local lighting

Audio

In world text usage or removal

Techniques for including or excluding HUD's and various UI components (blue pop-ups, name titles, chat bubbles)

Software skills that are part of the certification are mainly centered around professional applications for capture, editing, post processing, and delivery of content. Open source applications are included where appropriate.